The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a federal law that makes it a crime to lie about being a military hero. In fact, the justices ruled that many lies are protected by the First Amendment.

The 6-3 ruling came in a case involving Xavier Alvarez, a former local elected official who at a 2007 water board meeting in Southern California falsely claimed that he had served as a Marine and received a Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. As Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote for the majority, “Lying was his habit.”

My conscious mind just boggles
When confronted with their view
It’s as if they’re wearing goggles
Only letting in one hue—
They can see the world around them
And they think that all is fine
Where a rainbow might astound them,
They just see a curving line.
You can talk about the beauty
Of a multi-colored sight
And as if it is their duty
They say “what about the white?” [Read more…]

A conservative t-shirt, I’d always been told
Would be simple, and muted in color–not bold.
It wouldn’t have pictures, or writing or such,
Or at most just a bit on the pocket–not much.
Conservative dress meant a suit and a tie,
In the cold of December or heat of July;
Your shoes were well-shined and your trousers were pressed,
And that was the way that conservatives dressed.

At least, that’s the tale I’d been told all along–
Till today, when I find out I’m totally wrong… [Read more…]

From commenter Embertine, the story of a cock-up of Olympic proportions. Perspective is everything; from across the pond, I have not been privy to what has been happening in London for the games. Embertine has, and expresses it beautifully: [Read more…]